Do you desire security? Here you have it. The Lord says to thee, “I will never abandon thee, I will always be with thee!” If a good man made you such a promise, you would trust him. God makes it, and do you doubt? Do you seek a support more sure than the word of God, which is infallible? -St. Augustine

It is related in the Life of St. Rose of Lima, that she had inherited from her mother, who was very timorous and apprehensive of danger, such great timidity that she did not dare, in the night, to go from one room in the house to another without a candle, except for prayer, for the sake of which she conquered every terror.

One evening, she lingered longer than usual in the little arbor which had been built for her oratory in the garden. Her mother, afraid that some harm might have come to her, resolved to go in search of her; but not having courage to go alone, she asked her husband to accompany her. When Rose saw them, she immediately ended her prayer, and went to meet them; then excusing herself for her tardiness, she went back with them to the house. But on the way, she began to say to herself: “How is this? My mother, who is as timid as I, feels safe in the company of her husband. And am I afraid, accompanied by my Spouse, who without ever leaving me, is continually at my side and in my heart!”

This reflection made such an impression on her mind that it banished every terror, so that, from that time, she was no longer afraid of anything; and in any appearance of danger, she would say: “Non timebo mala, quoniam Tu mecum es” — I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me.

Text from A Year With the Saints (New York: P.J. Kenedy & Sons, 1891).